Guide to Lanterman for Early Start Families - Frank D. Lanterman ...
Guide to Lanterman for Early Start Families - Frank D. Lanterman ...
Guide to Lanterman for Early Start Families - Frank D. Lanterman ...
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Tips <strong>for</strong> Forming a<br />
Successful Family-<br />
Professional Partnership<br />
• Sign and return IFSP<br />
amendments promptly. Your<br />
signature on these documents<br />
is necessary <strong>for</strong> the funding<br />
authorization process <strong>for</strong> the<br />
services and supports required<br />
by changes <strong>to</strong> the IFSP.<br />
• Plan ahead <strong>to</strong> allow time <strong>for</strong><br />
funding. The funding process <strong>for</strong><br />
purchased services takes time,<br />
so give your service coordina<strong>to</strong>r<br />
ample time <strong>to</strong> request such<br />
services. Service coordina<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
must follow an approval process<br />
and adhere <strong>to</strong> specific funding<br />
criteria. On average, the<br />
approval process takes about<br />
two weeks.<br />
• Request copies of all progress<br />
reports and evaluations from<br />
anyone working with your child,<br />
whether or not the Regional<br />
Center is funding the service<br />
or support. Keep a copy of all<br />
reports <strong>for</strong> your file and give a<br />
copy <strong>to</strong> your service coordina<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>for</strong> the regional center file.<br />
Reports may be important when<br />
a request is made <strong>to</strong> renew<br />
funding.<br />
• Keep your service coordina<strong>to</strong>r<br />
up <strong>to</strong> date about what’s going<br />
on with your family – about<br />
things such as hospitalizations<br />
or if you have a family crisis or<br />
emergency or major change.<br />
• If you find a resource or training<br />
opportunity that you believe<br />
may benefit you or your child,<br />
discuss it with your service<br />
coordina<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Find Support Within the <strong>Lanterman</strong> Community<br />
<strong>Families</strong> have <strong>to</strong>ld us over the years that one of the most important things they<br />
learn at the Regional Center is that they are not alone – that other parents of<br />
children with special needs share their experiences and feelings. Here are some<br />
things that parents have <strong>to</strong>ld us that have been particularly helpful <strong>to</strong> them:<br />
v Seek out peer support from other families who have “been there” by joining<br />
a support group or requesting a Peer Support Partner.<br />
v Identify and make use of your own natural support system – family, friends,<br />
religious organizations, community.<br />
v Keep your expectations high and set challenging, yet realistic, goals <strong>for</strong> your<br />
child.<br />
12<br />
<strong>Frank</strong> D. <strong>Lanterman</strong> Regional Center